Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Mobile, AL

Shortness of breath, localized swelling in legs, ankles and feet, loss of appetite, increased need to urinate at night, difficulty concentrating, and sudden coughing, all innocent symptoms you've probably dismissed. However, if you're one of the countless Americans ignoring these symptoms you could be looking the other way on one of the most common silent killers: congestive heart failure.

What is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure is like sitting in traffic: it's slow, it's aggravating, and taking precious time off your life. Like the name describes, congestive heart failure is exactly that: congestion. The heart loses its ability to pump blood, resulting in a congestion inside the heart and a back-up of red-blood cells. The congestion is caused by a thickening of the ventricle walls of the heart. Ever try and pick up a coin while wearing thick gloves? The effect is similar. You exert more effort than normal, and the task takes far longer. It's the same with congestive heart failure.

As a result, when blood can't travel freely through the body, oxygen can't reach our extremities and organs. The resulting symptoms can include:

If you experience any of these symptoms it's best to schedule an appointment with your heart doctor (cardiologist). The last three however—chest pain, fainting, and a sudden, persistent cough/wheeze with a foamy discharge—require immediate emergency medical attention. Any of these symptoms should not be ignored as congestive heart failure—if left unchecked—can eventually result in a heart attack.

What Can I Do About Congestive Heart Failure? Any Treatments?

Unfortunately, some of the damage done by this condition is irreversible, but lifestyle changes are the best preventative and controlling measures. Healthy eating, cutting back on sodium, exercise, limiting or removing alcohol and smoking from your daily life, and regular health screenings can all help with congestive heart failure. With the proper care, this condition is manageable.